Seoul pushes high-rise near Jongmyo Shrine, railway plan amid lingering hurdles

Seoul is accelerating its flagship projects following Mayor Oh Se-hoon's election win, including the finalization of building permits for a 145-meter high-rise near the historic Jongmyo Shrine. This move, however, is met with significant opposition from heritage preservation groups and the newly elected Jongno-gu mayor, who has vowed to investigate the approval process.

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The architectural review, including the change in the Seun 4 district plan, was completed in February. However, before construction can begin, the project requires approval for the business execution plan change from the Jongno-gu mayor and a permit from the Cultural Heritage Administration under the Act on the Protection and Investigation of Remains.

The Cultural Heritage Administration has ordered a halt to the project, demanding a heritage impact assessment before any further approvals. This creates a standoff with the city, which claims its own review processes are complete. The situation is further complicated by the upcoming change in Jongno-gu's mayoral leadership, with the incoming mayor expressing caution and a desire for thorough review.

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If the business execution plan change is processed while the current mayor's term is still ongoing, I will investigate the circumstances after taking office and hold those responsible strictly accountable. The approval of redevelopment near Jongmyo Shrine requires careful consideration after hearing various opinions.

Adding to the city's ambitious agenda, Seoul unveiled its third urban railway network plan. This plan aims to fast-track six new lines, with the mayor prioritizing feasibility studies within his term. However, past railway plans have shown a poor track record, with few projects moving from planning to actual operation, casting doubt on the execution of this new initiative.

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Not complying with the administrative order is a violation of the law. The Local Autonomy Act stipulates that dispositions by local governments can be canceled if they are illegal.

Despite the city's push for development, the projects face considerable challenges. The heritage dispute and the railway plan's questionable execution history highlight potential conflicts with central government agencies and the need for robust implementation strategies. The city's ability to navigate these obstacles will be crucial for realizing its urban development goals.

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The primary focus of this third plan is securing execution capability. Out of 16 projects in the Seoul urban railway network plan initiated in 2008, only 8 have passed preliminary feasibility studies, and only one is currently in operation.